Dr. Kelly Rose

Preliminary autopsy results of the Real Housewives of Atlanta’sAshley “A.J.” Jewell are in, and it includes a surprise finding.

E! News is reporting that Dr. Kelly Rose of the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s believes Kandi Burruss‘ ex-fiancé may have suffered from the sickle-cell anemia blood disorder, which may have contributed to his death during a fight outside an Atlanta strip club.

“Preliminary results are suggestive of [sickle-cell],” said Rose. AJ sustained a severe blow to the head in the Oct. 2 brawl that took his life at the Body Tap Club. He was allegedly a co-owner of the strip club.

The sickle-cell anemia disorder affects red blood cells, and may have restricted AJ’s body’s oxygen supply and exacerbated his injuries. Rose believes “The altercation played a role in that [his death], and his underlying disease process contributed to his overall demise.”

A final report that will state his official cause of death is expected in the near future. Frederick Richardson, a club employee, was charged with voluntary manslaughter and is currently being held in an Atlanta jail without bond.